What will I study?  

The programme is comprised of five core modules (compulsory) plus a minor dissertation. The core modules are: 

• Advanced Research Methods
• Narratives in Childhood
• Using Evidence in Practice
• Cultural, Linguistic, & Social Diversity in Health & Education
• Supporting children with SLCN
• Dissertation (thesis) (year long) 

Assessment is by continuous assessment in each module. 

Modules: 

Supporting Children with SLCN 

Learning outcomes 

On completion of this module, students will be able to: 

1. Discuss the impact which speech, language and communication needs can have across a range of contexts including individual and societal levels (e.g., ICF, Bronfenbrenner). 
2. Discuss the relationship between language and literacy and numeracy in the classroom. 
3. Critically appraise the policy context in relation to law/equality, health, and education as it relates to speech, language and communication intervention e.g., Disability Rights perspective, inclusive policies, New Language Curriculum, Early Childhood Curriculum Framework.  
4. Discuss the methods which are used to screen for speech and language needs (e.g., those used by teachers, SLTs, and psychologists).
5. Interpret the results of assessments in order to identify strengths and needs.
6. Discuss specific evidence-based intervention strategies to support children with SLCN in the classroom, clinic and community.
7. Critically appraise service delivery options e.g., pull-out, classroom-based intervention, clinic-based intervention, whole-school approach, models of multi-professional working. 

Cultural, Linguistic, and Social Diversity in Health and Education

Learning outcomes 

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Critically appraise a range of theories and cultural beliefs about bilingual language acquisition, childhood, child rearing, health/illness, and disability that will impact on practice.
2. Discuss the impact of parental addiction, neglect, poverty on child speech and language development and well-being.  
3. Apply knowledge and understanding to assessment and intervention of culturally, linguistically, and socially diverse families.
4. Critically reflect upon their own cultural competence.
5. Problem solve working with interpreters. 

Using Evidence in Practice

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the evidence based practice resources available which are relevant for practice in the clinic, classroom and community.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in turning questions into effective search strategies.
3. Appraise quantitative and qualitative research literature.
4. Analyse and synthesise information from multiple sources to draw valid inferences about the state of knowledge in a particular field. 

Narratives in childhood 

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:

1. Discuss stages of narrative development in childhood.
2. Discuss the characteristics of narrative associated with a range of clinical populations.
3. Compare and contrast a range of elicitation and analysis procedures.
4. Critically appraise a range of elicitation and analysis procedures.
5. Critically evaluate a range of elicitation and analysis procedures.
6. Discuss the available evidence base for narrative-based language interventions.
7. Discuss cultural diversity in narratives and their clinical significance.
8. Discuss the role of narrative in identity construction in childhood. 

This MSc has been designed to facilitate your learning in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for supporting children with developmental speech, language, and communication needs in clinic, classroom, and service contexts. There is currently no programme in Ireland with this specific interdisciplinary focus on the needs of children with speech, language and communication needs. 

The course activities and skills training enable you to apply new knowledge and skills directly in the clinic, classroom, and community. 

The blended delivery of online and face to face classes allows for flexible learning. 

(Note: it does not lead to a professional qualification in speech and language therapy) 

With our interprofessional MSc, you are gaining specialist knowledge of working with children with SLCN. You can then apply this knowledge in your specific professional context and future career. 

This MSc can open doors to roles such as:  

• Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
• SLCN Support Specialist
• Policy or Advocacy Roles
• Research Assistant / PhD Progression 

• Dr Clare Carroll 
• Dr Mary-Pat O’Malley
• Dr Rena Lyons
• Dr Maura Dowling 

We use innovative and creative teaching, learning, and assessment methods to facilitate students to link theory with practice.  

The course involves 100% continuous assessment.  

These include assignments, journal entries, contributions to discussion boards, and a monograph submission for the Minor Dissertation.  

All elements of assessment must be passed.  

The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, enabling students to apply theoretical principles to practice.  

The teaching team are internationally recognized researchers and academics and implement research-led teaching and excellence in teaching and learning. 

Programme Director(s):  

Dr. Clare Carroll 
T: +353 91 495 470 
E: c.carroll@universityofgalway.ie   

Dr. Mary-Pat O'Malley-Keighran 
T: +353 91 495 470 
E: marypat.omalley@universityofgalway.ie  

Q: Does this course lead to a qualification in Speech and Language Therapy?
A: No, this course is not a pre-registration masters course.  It is a taught masters course. 

Q: What does blended learning mean?
A: There are weekly classes and weekly E-tivities to be completed online via the learning management system CANVAS. This means that you can complete activities in your own time.  

Our classes are delivered weekly on campus (approximately two afternoons per week) and can be accessed remotely via a live video link. These classes are also recorded to enhance accessibility. 

Minimum Entry Requirements

Primary degree with at least Second Class Honours or equivalent qualification. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements 

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, 15th August 2026 is the closing date for receipt of applications.   

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€8,400		€17,800	€140		€8,540	€17,940
Masters Part Time	1	€4,350			€140		€4,490

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2026 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2026. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process. 

We encourage you read the following: 

Glossary from Irish Assocation Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) Position Paper on Developmental Language Disorder which you can access here: 

https://www.iaslt.ie/advocacy/supporting-children-with-dld-in-ireland-position-paper-and-guidance-document/ 

Dr. Clare Carroll in conversation with Carmel Ferris about developmental language disorder: 

https://universityofgalway.instructuremedia.com/embed/1d1c286f-0018-4207-889b-f17864ee8356 

Supporting Talk Time - Classroom Strategies:ies 

https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Supporting-Talk-Time-Classroom-Strategies.pdf